Left-winger Mike Hoffman played briefly with the Hartford Whalers in the 80s. He was a gritty competitor who also displayed offensive prowess in junior and the minors.

Born in Barrie, Ontario, Hoffman was a star with the local Colts at the Midget level. He then spent three years with the Brantford Alexanders of the OHA/OHL and was claimed 67th overall by the Hartford Whalers in 1981. Following the 1982-83 junior season Hoffman played a couple of games in the NHL then joined the AHL's Binghamton Whalers on a full time basis the next year.

Hoffman was chiefly a farmhand for Hartford over the next three seasons. He was recalled a couple of times but soon demoted when the Whalers' regulars returned from the injured list. The hard working forward retired in 1989 after recording two straight 30-goal seasons for the IHL's Flint Spirits.